Blackjack is one of the most popular table games at a casino, but for someone who has never played it or only played it for fun, it can seem overwhelming at first. Players seem to be sending secret signals to the dealer and without a word receive additional cards or at times appear to playing multiple hands. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for when players take more cards often stopping with only 12 or 13 showing. How can that ever beat the dealer when the point is to reach 21? But, there is a method to this madness and without knowing everything there is to know about blackjack--odds, splits and double downs--you can step up to a table and have fun, if you keep the following things in mind.
The Basic Rules of Blackjack
Know the basics. It's Blackjack, not rocket science. To start, place a bet on the table. There is usually a circle or star in front of each chair to indicate where to put the chips. Once you have made your bet, do not touch the chips until the hand is over. The dealer will give each player two cards face up and the dealer gets two cards, one face up and other face down. Moving from the dealer's left to right, each player has the option to stay or hit. To stay (do not take another card), the player waves his hand palm down across the top of his cards. To hit (take another card), the players taps the table with his finger tips.
When to Stay and Hit
While there are exceptions to every rule, one should hit or stay as follows. If the dealer has a seven or higher showing, the player should keep hitting until his hand shows at least seventeen. If the dealer has two through six showing, hit until twelve or more. Players should never take another card if they have twelve or more and the dealer has 3,4,5,6 showing. Odds are that the dealer will draw more than 21 and all players will win. That's it. But, what about doubling and splitting one might ask?
It is Okay to Ask for Help
Most dealers will not or cannot offer unsolicited advice, but if one asks for help, that is a different story. There is no shame in sitting down at a table and announcing that one appreciates any advice the dealer has to offer. In fact, other players at the table much prefer that approach by rookies than having someone fumble through a game without help. After all, there are situations in Blackjack where the decision of one player can impact the results of the rest of the table for good or bad. So, know the basics and then rely on the dealer and other players for help on the subtleties of the game. It is more fun to learn while doing anyway.
Simon Etcher - Simon Etcher has spent the past twenty years working with and listening to America's CEOs, university leaders and top government ...
Join the Conversation